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Drosera aliciae Sudden Decline After Move: Temperamental Species Needs Stability

Why Drosera aliciae Hates Disruption More Than capensis

After a disruptive move, a grower's D. aliciae showed stunted new leaves, halted flower stalk, and dew loss on older leaves after systemic insecticide spray for suspected fungus gnats. Neighboring D. capensis and D. binata thrived. Conditions: NE window + T5HO light, distilled water.

Expert Diagnosis

Jacob Farin: D. aliciae is far more temperamental than capensis. It demands extremely stable conditions. All symptoms likely stem from the move.

Contributing Factors

Move = major environmental disruption.
Insecticide spray = additional stress (caused dew loss).
Fungus gnats possible but secondary.

Recovery Plan

Wait. Acclimation can take 2+ months.
Reduce light slightly (move off to side) to cool leaves → encourages larger leaves.
Maintain current good conditions otherwise.

Key Insight

Similar conditions ≠ similar tolerance. D. aliciae is a "drama queen" that expresses displeasure dramatically. Patience and stability are the only cures.

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